Humor – Page 10 – Jeff Maddox

December 12, 2014January 11, 2017

The Not Giving Up Part

Sometimes we need a little inspiration, and once in a while we might be that little inspiration someone else needs. This time I’m the one in need. We all have those days when it seems like nothing goes right. Even with a concentrated effort to fix what we think needs fixing, it only makes things worse. But what if we do nothing? Will it all come out in the wash as they say?

You would think for a guy who writes about riding his motorcycle – and all the so-called benefits that come with it – I would have a clear head, low heart-rate/cholesterol, and a charming personality. Well, most of the time I would say this is true. But let’s face it, that’s not always the case. As much as I want to believe me riding a motorcycle puts everything on this planet that affects me in a rosier light; it’s truly just how I cope. Yeah, that’s it.

There really is a point when some things are out of my control. All of the common sense and life-lessons I throw at what ails me just hasn’t sunk in yet. We all want things to go as planned. We want the happy endings. We get disappointed when things don’t go as we hoped, and then what? We keep trying. We love and support. We help when it’s appropriate. and we don’t give up. Ever. That’s the hardest part; the “not giving up” thing. To give up is when I fail. And quite honestly, I don’t like to fail. So for me I’ll continue to believe in myself and trust my gut and listen to my heart and hope it works itself out. It will I know, just not on my schedule, I’m sure.

Patience can be your best friend, but only if you let it. If you allow time to get the best of you, well I guess you’re in for a long and frustrating wait. But if you accept the fact that those things which are out of your control will certainly remain out of your control, then you have taken the first step in acknowledging you can’t control everything. We can strive to make all things better, and hope for the best. Right now I’m hoping for the best. And my whites have never been brighter, so it must be coming out in the wash.

December 5, 2014December 14, 2015

Freestyle

So, where do we go from here? It’s easy when you have a plan and it’s all mapped out for you. But what about when you “freestyle” it? What does it mean to head out in any given direction with no plan or agenda and the ride still happens anyway? You have a good time, that’s what happens. Sometimes the best times are when you stand around, looking around, hands in your pockets taking it all in. Why do we have to plan it all out and feel rushed? There is nothing worse than making plans, having them fall apart and having the disappointment set in. If you freestyle, it doesn’t matter. Just going with the flow all loosey goosey, can be liberating. We ride motorcycles for crying-out-loud, and our reputation is built on the idea we are carefree Nomads of the open road. Let me get out my smart phone and show you what I mean…

We ride motorcycles for crying-out-loud, and our reputation is built on the idea we are carefree Nomads of the open road. Let me get out my smart phone and show you what I mean…

Are we just wired to have a plan? I don’t know about you, but there is a certain amount of achievement for those who can make it through the day without a schedule. It can be done. Of course eating a couple of times a day needs to be penciled in, and a general idea of where you want to go is helpful, otherwise we will be those Nomads I referenced earlier. Yeah, a general direction is helpful. And what about gas? Oh, we’ll have to stop for gas, and if you’re riding in a group you might want to make sure you are stopping at the right time for everyone. We wouldn’t want someone to cut it too close. And while we’re at it, I have lunch penciled in so can we stop for gas around that time? Sure.

The more you think about it, the days of packing up in the middle of the night and hitting the open road with nothing more than motorcycles and the clothes on our backs seems impossible. Not that sleeping on picnic tables under some trees, or waking up in the same blue jeans and t-shirt I’ve had on for 6 days wondering where the next gas station might be doesn’t sound appealing…

For me it comes down to being that semi-organized Nomad. Life on the edge with a dash of planning. Finding that happy medium of getting lost and still knowing where you’re at is a good feeling, and that’s a perfect combination for a guy like me. Freestyle.

December 1, 2014June 22, 2015

Terms and Conditions

We accept certain things when throwing a leg over our motorcycle. Just as we pull out on the road, we’ve signed a contract agreeing with the terms and conditions of our surroundings. We know that this sport of ours can be dangerous. Through our best efforts to enjoy the ride, there is always that chance – as slight as it may be – that something will happen. There are just too many cars, critters and construction (or lack thereof) to not have a close call or two. Or three. But we knew that before we started, didn’t we? What do you mean, you didn’t read the fine print?

Traffic varies depending on your geographical location. Let’s surmise that vehicle population is just average everywhere we go. Average would indicate a constant flow of pesky cars and trucks moving along at a steady pace, drivers checking mirrors and a lunch bag in the back seat. Hands at 10 and 2, the radio quietly playing elevator music through the speakers and cell phones left appropriately in the glove box. I think I just passed the sign that said “Welcome to Perfect World, population 0.” We bikers know that the defensive drivers course was meant for us. It states at the bottom of our Road Trip Contract to “Ride like nobody sees you. Press hard, there are 4 copies.

The weather, on the other hand, is somewhat predictable. At least from a short-range forecast we can see what’s going on in and around us. We prepare for those conditions either by taking the proper gear, or we stay home. Can you really prepare for something by not doing anything? I guess staying indoors is preparation. But the weather can change just as fast as that fast-moving Chevy cut you off, but we knew that was going to happen. It said so on page 3, paragraph 2 of the contract: “Under no certain terms will it be assumed you have the road to yourself. Furthermore, You WILL NOT have control of the weather nor the actions of those who drive vehicles with more than three wheels.”

Another obstacle we encounter are those four-legged friends that just don’t know any better. Or do they? Most are just trying to live out their lives in peace foraging among the fence-lines and babbling brooks. It’s all good until they see the greener grass on the other side of the road, then all bets are off. They will run, leap or fly across the road within inches of you, when quite frankly they’ve had all day to make their move. Why now and why me? Didn’t you see the deer crossing sign? I was prepared for you to cross there…

I know what you’re thinking; I signed up for this and that’s why I ride and I accept the risk, because the good outweighs the bad. And it does. Fortunately for us, it hasn’t come down to signing on the bottom line just to get your bike out of the garage. We already know the hazards of riding and we go about our day somehow finding the enjoyment in it despite it all. We didn’t need to read the fine print to know that.

November 30, 2014October 2, 2015

Rubberneckers

It’s human nature for sure. When we see something out-of-the-ordinary, we turn our heads to see what happened or to watch whatever is happening to unfold. Like the proverbial train-wreck. We. Just. Can’t. Look. Away.

We motorcyclist are rubberneckers. We ride as if our head is on a swivel anyway, and because of that we see a lot of extraordinary things in the process. It’s almost as if we’re asking for it. Well, we are. In this particular case, I stopped to watch the fire off in the distance unfold. It’s not every day you have the opportunity – those few magical minutes – to rubberneck the sun coming up over the horizon. It’s all about timing.

But more importantly it’s about taking the time to stop, pause, and to not only see it but to feel it. To recognize the collision of your path and the extraordinary as it happens is key. When it happens, it happens quick. There are no rules here such as documenting it in a picture but it’s only here for those who are lucky enough to take it in. If you’re able to capture it, that’s okay too. It makes a great home-screen.

But please remember, rubbernecking beauty – good. Rubbernecking misfortune – bad. But you already knew that.

When you find yourself rolling down the highway looking at your surroundings and you see that rubberneck-worthy moment, take it in. But please remember, rubbernecking beauty – good. Rubbernecking misfortune – bad. But you already knew that.

Life is truly made up of extraordinary moments strung together by ability to put ourselves in the middle of it. To see, feel and appreciate our surroundings requires a bit of rubbernecking. Without taking it in, we risk passing it by.

November 26, 2014November 27, 2014

Motorcycle House – Geared to Serve

If I can say one thing about riding motorcycles is that we are always looking for parts and accessories; not only for our bikes but for us as well. Between jackets and rain suits, helmets and gloves (for both winter and summer), we look for luggage, saddlebags, tires and all those things we need, want and can’t live without.

It really gives you the impression that our motorcycle is actually the least expensive piece to the puzzle and our bike is just the beginning to that long relationship with everything else that goes with it. Do we really want to add up all the money we’ve spent on gear and accessories? Not me.

Considering what we spend, all I know is if I can save a few bucks and still get the quality I expect and deserve, I’ll be happy. Riding bikes makes me happy. So does saving money.

I was contacted by Motorcycle House to do a few reviews on some products that we enthusiasts use every day. You know the kind; real world, from one biker to another, ride it like you own it kind of stuff. They also carry parts and accessories for UTV’s, ATV’s, dirt bikes and snowmobiles – but it’s motorcycles for me. For those of you who follow my blog, you know I ride year-round out here in the Midwest, and I put a lot of miles on my motorcycle. I also expect a lot from the gear I use and I want to make sure my money goes a long way. I’m looking forward to trying out items that we are all interested in, and Motorcycle House is willing to provide some of them for me. So stay tuned, and in the mean time check them out on social media and give them a follow!

Motorcycle House on Facebook

Twitter

Motorcycle House on youtube

And Instagram

November 20, 2014

The Hands of Time and Leather

There was a time when things were handmade and built to last, and when you held quality in your hand and you could feel it. We’ve strayed far from quality and caring to somehow accepting a short life expectancy from what we purchase – so much for passing it on to our kids.

As a kid growing up I was fascinated by my fathers watch. Something he wore daily, and that rare moment when he was standing still, I would look it over. It wasn’t anything special, but I remember looking at it and thinking how old it seemed even then. It was worn and hard to read but the best way to describe it is to say that this watch my father so dutifully wore was standing the test of time. It must have been a faithful watch, keeping the best of time or my dad wouldn’t have worn it. To this day, I still catch myself looking at my fathers watch.

What once was a land of handmade, no-two-the-same, can’t buy it just anywhere products – we’ve digressed into a mass-produced, everyone has it environment. But it’s not the artisans fault. What’s the old saying? Oh yeah, something about you get what you pay for. The hands that crafted have grown tired and retired and have been replaced with machines that have no creativity, no pride or heart.

So it was March of 2012 when I received an email from Stephen Berner. He was contacting me to write a blog for his website, and after checking it out, I wasn’t sure what I was writing was good enough. I was completely blown away by Steve’s angle on the American V-twin lifestyle and all that surrounds it, and me being a small town guy who can’t seem to get out of said small town, had doubts on my abilities. But he believed in me and there was nothing to say but “yes, I’ll do it.”

I’ve learned a lot from Steve. Without knowing, he pushed me to be more creative. He gave me an opportunity to think beyond the city limits I’ve grown comfortable with and to try harder, think harder, and look at things from a different angle. And for that I owe him a “thank you.”

Steve has a thing about closed and long-abandoned factories where men and women not only built these factories but everything that came out of them. They took pride in what they manufactured and it showed on their dusty clothes, dirty faces and callused hands. A symbol of America that is slowly being forgotten and left to die one brick at a time. The hopes and dreams of these workers forgotten when they were carried out the front door in their lunch pails for the last time.

Steve has taken his passion and his love for quality, hand-made-in-America, to crafting it into leather. With the effort of those who have paid their dues and rightfully passing on their skills and knowledge to someone who cares enough to carry on a tradition, Steve has taken it upon himself to produce what he so believes in. Beauty. Quality. Handmade.

You can’t rush this kind of work and mistakes can’t be covered. Do it right or don’t do it at all, I say. And what’s that old saying again? Right. Get what you pay for. To pick up the tools of a trade that has almost been forgotten is admirable. Not everyone can do it, and sadly so few even want to. It can’t be easy, as it requires creativity, patience, a steady hand and the ability to see the end result before you’ve picked up a tool. Slow and deliberate, but worth it.

I suggest you check out Steve’s goods and see for yourself. Support those who take the time to do it right, right here at home, and carry with you something that will only get better with age.

SteveB Leatherworks Facebook

SteveB Instagram

Etsy

November 5, 2014September 11, 2015

Stop & Go International

Wow. That’s the only thing that came to mind when I got my mail today. Wow. Today I received my Stop & Go Tubeless Puncture Pilot Kit and I will say that just holding the rugged zippered case in my hand I could feel it was something of value. You know that feeling; when you put your hands on something it just feels “right.” Kind of like putting your head in a high quality helmet – you can feel the difference. Not cheap, not throw-away but something you can count on and that will stand the test of time.

Not only is this something to carry with you in the event you have a flat, but just think of the help you can give to someone who might be caught in the same predicament. To help yourself or a fellow biker get back on the road by your own means is something that can make us all feel good.

As I opened the case I see my assumptions were correct. This kit is really nice. For those of us who travel by motorcycle, or in many cases ride far enough away from the conveniences of a repair shop to count on for their immediate help, this puncture repair kit is invaluable. The quality of the tools and the thought put into what you will actually need in the event of a flat tire amazes me. Not only is this something to carry with you in the event you have a flat, but just think of the help you can give to someone who might be caught in the same predicament. To help yourself or a fellow biker get back on the road by your own means is something that can make us all feel good.

Bill and his team at Stop & Go International have it figured out. They understand we bikers are a special bunch and we expect a lot from our gear and equipment. If you can provide a solution to a problem (a problem we only hope we will never experience) and do it with great customer service and providing a quality product, the rest will speak for itself. I encourage everyone who rides to look into the Stop & Go Tubeless Puncture Pilot Kit. I like to compare this kit with all the gear we bikers wear when we ride. We wear our gear for what “might” happen with the hope it never happens. If you’re like me, you ride to forget about everything and breakdowns are the furthest thing on my mind. We don’t focus on it and we often assume we will deal with it, if or when it happens. Be prepared for what might happen, and who knows, you might just be a hero to someone down the road that needs the help. Check them out on Twitter and Facebook!

Bill, thank you for all you do!

StopnGo International

Follow StopnGo on Twitter

Follow StopnGo on Facebook

October 29, 2014December 12, 2014

A Birthday Gift for Me

I remember like it was yesterday; sitting on the edge of the hospital bed holding you in my arms. You were wrapped up tight in a baby blanket with a stocking cap on your head just looking at me. Looking at me! We were alone in the room and while I’m sure I was mumbling something to you, without any warning, I cried.

There is something special about that moment we shared. We didn’t have any history to look back on and with only our future ahead of us I knew we would be okay. How could I be responsible for something so small and precious? I’m not used to this as I can barely take care of myself. I mean, it was the ’80s and is this stone-washed denim I’m wearing? Really?

It’s hard for a father to tell his daughter how he feels. While there are so many ways and lots words to say, it all gets lost in general conversation. But life is to short to not tell you how a I feel. Without trying, and at that moment you gave me a purpose. A life-changing moment that rearranged my priorities and gave me a reason to work hard and set a good example. After all, I wouldn’t want to embarrass you. Okay, it was the ’80s and some of that wasn’t my fault.

I’m so very proud of you. You have grown into the woman I always thought you would be. A great mother, a wonderful wife, a great sister and of course, a beautiful daughter. You have an effortless way about you and through it all you have an amazing sense of humor. I know how you deal with bumps in the road and humor is one of them. Your laughter makes me laugh and if nothing else in life, we have that. You recently sent me a text that you’ve come to realize that when so many things aren’t going your way, you have to come to appreciate the little things in life. To also be happy and thankful for what you have and how quickly we forget that, and how things always seem to work out. When you said that, it felt like a shift had come from me giving you advice to you telling me “everything’s going to be okay.”

You will always be that mop-topped little strawberry blonde that danced around in the dresses you insisted on wearing. It’s crazy how you have grown into a beautiful woman and remained my little girl all at the same time.

Today is your birthday and as hard as it is for you to realize this, it is you who gave me the gift. Happy birthday Kelly, I love you!

October 20, 2014November 17, 2014

Expect the Unexpected

Okay, call me gun-shy. A few days ago I had a close encounter with a doe standing on the road in the exact same spot where a previous close encounter happened almost a year ago to the day. Two close encounters in the same spot with a deer a year apart. Who would have thunk it? The first was “Motorcycle Crossing” and the second was “A Second Either Way” if you’re curious.

Well, on this particularly foggy morning commute on my motorcycle, I was understandably cautious. Typically, when riding in fog your windshield and face shield will fog up as well. This morning was no different as my windshield was completely fogged over and the face shield on my Torc helmet was lifted to better see. It’s one thing as a rider to be on the lookout for anything that might stop my forward progress, but it’s also important to see and be seen.

So I set out on my journey in hopes of getting to work unscathed. The fog wasn’t too bad at first but I knew going into Skiddy, which falls into a valley, it would become worse. As I started my decent I saw a skunk scooting across the road and a second later realized his defense mechanism was in perfect working order. He must have seen me coming. Feeling good about being cautious, I’m only about an 1/8 of a mile from the curve that is a known deer hangout. As I enter the curve I see a deer standing in the ditch by the trees. Not again! It’s silhouette poised to leap in my direction, I maintained my nerves of steel and continued into the face of danger. As I rounded the curve, fully prepared for what may come, I realized the deer was nothing more than a combination of tree branches and bushes in the shape of a deer and that either the deer or the fog were playing tricks on me. Relieved, I turned the throttle and rode on. But now my eyes are seeing things in the fog that may or may not be there.

As I left Skiddy I’m sure I saw Popeye standing on the side of the road. I can’t be sure, but it sure looked like him. Further down the road I saw a herd of buffalo standing by the fence, but they were pretending to be cattle. I’m not crazy, I saw buffalo. It’s kind of like looking at the clouds and seeing shapes of animals and characters. The only difference here? If I see Snoopy in the clouds he isn’t going to jump out of the ditch in front of me.

October 18, 2014November 17, 2014

A Second Either Way

Well, it was bound to happen again I guess. I’m speaking of another close call with a deer on my chilly ride to work this morning. Almost a year to the day I wrote about how a deer stepped out of the ditch and stopped suddenly before crossing (read; “Motorcycle Crossing”) as I was rounding the first curve in Skiddy on my way to work. Close enough to touch (or so it seemed) I remained calm and continued on. What this deer did after I passed is unknown, but I’m sure she was thinking those damn motorcycles are dangerous to her health.

I don’t know if we motorcyclists are just oblivious to the dangers of riding or if it’s the acceptance of those dangers that keeps us riding. Surely a close call, and I mean close call, with any deer or car would stop me from riding a bike. But close calls are a part of riding and quite frankly, the deer reminded me of this. I’m not saying it didn’t startle me. But at that exact moment when I came around the corner and saw her standing there on the road, several things went through my head in a very short amount of time. But not once did I think I was going down. Chop the throttle? Apply the brakes? Swerve? Scream? I did none of that. In fact if you could have seen the look on my face I probably showed no emotion. Nerves of steel? Of course not, but it happened so fast there was little time for panic. I can’t speak for the deer.

I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about how risky motorcycling can be. If I thought about it like that it would take the fun right out of riding. When something like this happens, (fewer times with deer, more often with cars) it shows me I’m living in the moment – and this moment only took about a half a second. Once it’s over, it’s down the road until the next close call happens. Not if, but when.

I’m not sure if this was the same deer or not, but they were both wearing similar fur coats. It did happen in the exact same place as before and if she is anything like me we’re both creatures of habit. As long as her and her friends make a habit of staying out of my way, I’ll do my best not to hit her and ruining both of our mornings. So after I passed her and proceeded to work I realized how close this close call was. A second either way could have yielded different results and I thought to myself how many times in our lives do we have these encounters and don’t even realize it. Whether we ride motorcycles or not, life is full of “a second either way.” So why worry?

I ride for that feeling of complete vulnerability to my surroundings. If this deer and I had met any other way (read collision) I might think otherwise. But part of the experience of riding is being on the edge of out-of-control with a few obstacles thrown in for good measure. So here’s to our anniversary and I hope we don’t meet again.